Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Gateron Glory Red stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different preferences. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro is a fantastic pick for budget-conscious enthusiasts, offering a satisfying auditory experience with its poppy, clacky sound and creamy tactile feel. Its attributes of being easy-to-press, feathery, and bouncy make it particularly appealing for those who enjoy an engaging typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switch excels in delivering a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize a seamless and effortless typing experience. While both switches provide distinct characteristics that can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience, they also differ in sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Glory Red switches demonstrate significant differences in their top housing compositions, while they share similarities in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro uses a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is particularly resonant due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material's translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it aesthetically pleasing for users who value visual customization. In contrast, the Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon absorbs more sound, it results in a duller and rounder tone, creating a stark contrast to the sharper sound profile of the Cream Yellow Pro.
Both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Glory Red utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which brings a cohesive characteristic to the feel and overall sound of the switches. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches is responsible for a deeper and fuller acoustic experience, absorbing sound and contributing to a more muted bottom-out feel. This foundational similarity emphasizes the role that bottom housing plays in defining how a switch's actuation feels and sounds when pressed down. Consequently, users can expect a consistent depth of sound from both models, despite the differences in their top housing compositions.
Ultimately, the varying top housing materials highlight how pressing down on each switch will yield distinct auditory experiences, while the shared nylon bottom housing results in overlapping traits that unify their performances. The Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top allows for a unique sound when releasing a key, while the Glory Red's nylon top dampens those sounds, leading to a more subdued response. Therefore, when considering these switches, enthusiasts should take into account how the distinct top housing materials influence the overall sound profile and user experience, while acknowledging the familiar characteristics provided by the nylon bottom housing that both switches share.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a medium force switch, while the Glory Red is lighter at 45 grams. This lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a switch that allows for longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Glory Red switch is unknown, making it difficult to assess the overall feel of the switch during a complete key press. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a clearly defined bottom out force of 60 grams, which adds a substantial feel to the typing experience. Thus, for those who enjoy a heavier and more tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro would likely be the better choice, whereas the Gateron Glory Red appeals to those who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch and the Gateron Glory Red switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Gateron Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is longer. For gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the ideal choice due to its shorter travel distance, offering a more immediate feedback upon keypress. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a deeper feel might gravitate towards the Glory Red switch, as its longer travel distance could provide a sense of groundedness when typing. Ultimately, your preference between these two switches will hinge on whether you value speed or depth in your key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are known for their satisfying, poppy, and clacky sound profile, making them an appealing choice for those who enjoy an auditory feedback that is lively and engaging during typing. This characteristic is enhanced by the overall construction of the switch, which also tends to produce a slightly more pronounced noise due to the design. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches deliver a smoother auditory experience, though specific sound qualities haven't been detailed. The sound profile of both switches can be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard housing and type of keycaps used, which means that both options can yield a pleasant acoustic experience depending on the configuration.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery action that requires minimal force to engage, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without causing finger fatigue. The switches provide a bouncy and snappy feedback, ensuring that each keystroke is responsive and lively, further enhancing the typing experience. Although specific details about the feel of the Gateron Glory Red switches are not provided, it is generally expected that they offer a smooth keystroke, contributing to a comfortable typing experience. Therefore, while the Cream Yellow Pro switches emphasize a more engaging tactile feedback, it is likely that both switches provide a comfortable typing experience to varying degrees.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Gateron Glory Red switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its lively auditory feedback and an exceptionally light and responsive typing feel, ideal for those who enjoy pronounced keystrokes and a colorful typing experience. On the other hand, while the exact sensory qualities of the Glory Red switches remain somewhat undefined, they offer a smoother keystroke which can also lead to a satisfying experience. Ultimately, both switches present viable choices for newcomers to mechanical keyboards, promising enjoyable experiences tailored to various typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches and the Gateron Glory Red linear switches, consider the type of experience you desire. If you lean towards a richer auditory experience, value a medium bottom-out force, and enjoy a tactile feel with a slight pop and clack, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be an excellent choice. The combination of its snappy responsiveness and polished finish makes it ideal for both typing and gaming while keeping fatigue at bay during long sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke and smooth travel, the Gateron Glory Red would suit you better. These switches create a feather-light feel, which is ideal for those who prioritize speed and ease of activation in fast-paced gaming or extensive typing without the added resistance of a medium force. Your personal preferences in tactile feedback, sound, and ergonomics will ultimately guide you in choosing the best switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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